Cam frame structure, lens barrel structure, shake compensation device and imaging element unit

ABSTRACT

The lens barrel includes a lens frame and a cam frame. The lens frame has a body supporting a lens element in the optical system, at least three through-holes formed in the lens frame body, at least three cam members arranged on the lens frame body and at least one protruding member that protrude from the lens frame body. The cam frame has a body, at least three projection members extending from the cam frame body and inserted through the through-holes, at least three cam grooves formed in the cam frame body and the projection members to guide the cam members and to movably support the lens frame with respect to the cam frame body. The cam frame also has at least one auxiliary groove to guide the protruding member. One end of the auxiliary groove is disposed in the circumferential direction between two adjacent projection members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/829,401which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2009-159759 filed on Jul. 6, 2009. The entiredisclosures of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/829,401 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2009-159759 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a cam frame structure, a lensbarrel structure, a shake compensation device and an imaging elementunit.

2. Background Information

In recent years we have witnessed a growth in the popularity of digitalcameras that use imaging elements such as a Charge Coupled Device sensoror a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor sensor to convert anoptical image into an electrical signal and then digitize and recordthis electrical signal.

With such digital cameras, there is a need not only to increase thenumber of pixels produced by the Charge Coupled Device or ComplementaryMetal Oxide Semiconductor sensor but also a need to improve theperformance of the lens barrel that forms the optical image for thesesensors. More specifically, there is a need for a lens barrel that isequipped with a high-power zoom lens system.

Moreover, it would be beneficial if the camera body for these digitalcameras were made more compact so that the cameras are more portable.Therefore, there is also a need to reduce the size of the lens barrel,which is believed to contribute to reducing the overall size of thecamera body.

SUMMARY

To achieve a more compact design with conventional lens barrels, thesize of the lens barrel has to be reduced in the direction of theoptical axis. However, it has been discovered that if the cam frame ismade smaller in the direction of the optical axis, this smaller sizewill affect the design of the cam grooves formed in the cam frame. As aresult, it becomes difficult to make the lens barrel more compact. Inaddition, because of this smaller size, if an external force is exertedon the lens barrel, there is a possibility that the cam followers orother members of the lens barrel will be damaged.

Accordingly, in view of the state of the known technology, one aspect ofthe disclosure herein is a lens barrel structure that comprises a lensframe and a cam frame. The lens frame includes a lens frame bodyconfigured to support a lens element of an optical system, at leastthree through-holes formed in the lens frame body in the direction ofthe optical axis of the optical system, at least three cam members andat least one protruding member formed on and protruding from the lensframe body.

The cam frame includes a cam frame body, at least three projectionmembers extending from an end of the cam frame body in the direction ofthe optical axis and insertably disposed through the through-holes ofthe lens frame, and at least three cam grooves formed in the cam framebody and the projection members. The cam grooves are configured to guidethe cam members and movably support the lens frame with respect to thecam frame body. The cam frame also includes at least one auxiliarygroove formed along the circumferential direction of the cam frame body.The auxiliary groove is configured to guide the protruding member. Theend of the auxiliary groove formed near the end of the cam frame bodywith the projection members is disposed between two adjacent projectionmembers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a simplified oblique view of a digital camera;

FIG. 2 is a simplified oblique view of a digital camera;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified oblique views of a lens barrel;

FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 5 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 6 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 7 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrel;

FIG. 8 is a simplified cross section of a lens barrel (retracted state);

FIG. 9 is a simplified cross section of a lens barrel (wide anglestate);

FIG. 10 is a simplified cross section of a lens barrel (telephotostate);

FIGS. 11A and 11B are oblique views of a lens barrel;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are oblique views of a lens barrel;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are oblique views of a lens barrel;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are oblique views of a drive frame;

FIG. 15 is an oblique view of a camera cam frame and a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 16A is a side view of a camera cam frame and a rotary cam frame

FIG. 16B is a plan view of a camera cam frame and a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 17 is an oblique view of a first lens frame and a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 18A is an oblique view of a first lens frame;

FIG. 18B is an oblique view of a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 20A is a development (outer peripheral face) of a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 20B is a development (inner peripheral face) of a rotary cam frame;

FIG. 21 is an exploded oblique view of a lens barrier, a first lensframe, and a rotary cam frame;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are oblique views of a first lens frame and a firstrectilinear frame;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a first lens frame and a first rectilineargroove;

FIG. 24A is a cross section of the area around a first cam pin;

FIG. 24B is a cross section of the area around a second cam pin;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are oblique views of a fixed frame, a camera camframe, a first rectilinear frame, and a second rectilinear frame;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a fixed frame, a camera cam frame, a firstrectilinear frame, and a second rectilinear frame;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are side views of a second lens frame, a secondrectilinear frame, and a third lens frame;

FIG. 28A is an oblique view of a third lens frame;

FIG. 28B is an oblique view of a third lens frame in which thecorrecting lens frame is omitted;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are oblique views of a correcting lens frame;

FIG. 30 is a side view of a correcting lens frame;

FIG. 31 is an oblique view of an imaging element unit;

FIG. 32 is a cross section of an imaging element unit;

FIG. 33A is a plan view of the area around a CCD image sensor;

FIG. 33B is an oblique view of a light blocking sheet;

FIG. 33C is a side view of the area around a CCD image sensor 141;

FIG. 34 is an exploded oblique view of a camera cam frame and an imagingelement unit;

FIG. 35 is an oblique view of a lens barrel with the first rectilinearframe omitted;

FIG. 36 is a cross section of the area around a second cam pin;

FIG. 37 is a cross section of the area around a light blocking ring; and

FIGS. 38A and 38B are side views of a second lens frame, a secondrectilinear frame, and a third lens frame in another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1: OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL CAMERA

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a digital camera 1 is illustratedin accordance with a first embodiment. FIGS. 1 and 2 are simplifiedoblique views of the digital camera 1. FIG. 1 shows the situation when alens barrel 3 is in its imaging state (wide angle state).

The digital camera 1 (an example of an imaging device) is a camera foracquiring an image of a subject. A multi-stage retractable lens barrel 3is installed in the digital camera 1 to afford a higher zoom ratio andachieve a compact size.

In the following description, the six sides of the digital camera 1 aredefined as follows.

The side facing the subject when an image is being captured by thedigital camera 1 is called the front face, and the face on the oppositeside is called the rear face. When an image is captured such that up anddown along the vertical direction of the subject coincide with up anddown along the short-side direction of the rectangular image beingcaptured by the digital camera 1 (the aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio oflong to short sides, is generally 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, etc.), the side facingupward in the vertical direction is called the top face, and theopposite side is called the bottom face. Further, when the an image iscaptured such that up and down in the vertical direction of the subjectcoincide with up and down in the short-side direction of the rectangularimage being captured by the digital camera 1, the side that is on theleft when viewed from the subject side is called the left face, and theopposite side is called the right face. The above definitions are notintended to limit the usage orientation of the digital camera 1.

Based on the above definitions, FIG. 1 is an oblique view illustratingthe front face, top face, and right face.

The same definitions apply not only to the six sides of the digitalcamera 1 but also to the six sides of the various constituent membersdisposed in and on the digital camera 1. Specifically, the abovedefinitions apply to the six sides of the various constituent members inthe state in which those members have been disposed in or on the digitalcamera 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, a three-dimensional perpendicular coordinate systemis defined as having a Y-axis perpendicular to the optical axis A of anoptical system O (discussed below). Based on this definition, thedirection facing the front face side from the rear face side along theoptical axis A is called the Y-axis positive direction, the directionfacing the left face side from the right face side perpendicular to theoptical axis A is called the X-axis positive direction, and thedirection facing the top face side from the bottom face side andperpendicular to the X and Y-axes is called the Z-axis positivedirection.

The drawings will be described below using this XYZ coordinate system asa reference. In other words, the X-axis positive direction, the Y-axispositive direction and the Z-axis positive direction each refer to thesame respective direction in the various drawings.

2: OVERALL CONFIGURATION OF DIGITAL CAMERA

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 generally comprises ahousing 2 that accommodates various units, the optical system O thatforms an optical image of a subject and the lens barrel 3 that movablysupports the optical system O.

The optical system O is made up of a plurality of lenses and a pluralityof lens groups, which are aligned in the Y-axis direction. The lensbarrel 3 is a multi-stage retractable type lens barrel. Morespecifically, it is a three-stage retractable type lens barrel in whichthree kinds of frame are deployed along the Y-axis direction from afixed frame 20 (discussed below) that serves as a reference. The lensbarrel 3 is supported by the housing 2. The plurality of lens groups ismovably supported by the lens barrel 3 in the Y-axis direction. Theconfiguration of the optical system O and the lens barrel 3 will bedescribed in detail below.

The housing 2 contains a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor 141(an example of an imaging element) that performs opto-electricalconversion on an optical image and an image recorder 9 that recordsimages acquired by the CCD image sensor 141. As shown in FIG. 2, aliquid crystal monitor 8 is arranged on the rear face of the housing 2.The liquid crystal monitor 8 displays images acquired by the CCD imagesensor 141.

A release button 4, a control dial 5, a power switch 6 and a zoomadjusting lever 7 are arranged on the top face of the housing 2. Therelease button 4 is used by the user to input the exposure timing. Thecontrol dial 5 is used by the user to adjust various settings related tothe imaging operation. The power switch 6 is used by the user to turnthe digital camera 1 on or off. The zoom adjusting lever 7 is used bythe user to adjust the zoom ratio. The zoom adjusting lever 7 isrotatable around the release button 4 within a specific angular range.

3: CONFIGURATION OF OPTICAL SYSTEM AND LENS BARREL

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 10, the overall configuration of the lensbarrel 3 will now be explained. FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified obliqueviews of the lens barrel 3, and FIGS. 4 to 7 are exploded oblique viewsof the lens barrel 3. FIG. 3A is a simplified oblique view of the lensbarrel 3 when the lens barrel 3 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 3Bis a simplified oblique view of the lens barrel 3 when capturing animage. FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified cross sectional views of the lensbarrel 3. FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view in the retracted state, andFIG. 9 is a cross sectional view in the wide angle state. FIG. 10 is across sectional view in the telephoto state.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the imaging optical system O comprises afirst lens group G1 (an example of a lens element), a second lens groupG2 (an example of a first lens element), a third lens group G3 (anexample of a second lens element) and a fourth lens group G4. The firstlens group G1, for example, is a lens group with an overall positivepower and takes in light from the subject. The second lens group G2, forexample, is a lens group with an overall negative power. The zoom ratioof the optical system O can be adjusted with the first lens group G1 andthe second lens group G2. The third lens group G3, for example, is alens group that is attributable to movement of the digital camera 1 forsuppressing movement of the optical image with respect to the CCD imagesensor 141. The fourth lens group G4, for example, is a lens group foradjusting the focus. The optical system O is movably supported by thelens barrel 3 in the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the lens barrel 3 generally comprises thefixed frame 20 (an example of a first frame) fixed to the housing 2, azoom motor 110 fixed to the fixed frame 20 and serving as a drivesource, a master flange 10 (an example of a base member and/or a baseplate) that holds the various frames between itself and the fixed frame20, a drive frame 30 (an example of a fourth frame) to which the driveforce of the zoom motor 110 is inputted, a camera cam frame 40 (anexample of a third frame) supported by the fixed frame 20 and capable ofmoving in the Y-axis direction, a rotary cam frame 70 (an example of acam frame and/or a second frame) that rotates along with the drive frame30, a second rectilinear frame 80 that moves in the Y-axis directionwith respect to the fixed frame 20 without rotating, and a shutter unit95. The drive frame 30 and the rotary cam frame 70 are movable in theY-axis direction and rotatable with respect to the fixed frame 20, butthe other members move in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixedframe 20 without rotating. The CCD image sensor 141 is attached to themaster flange 10. A DC motor is one example of a zoom motor 110.

The lens barrel 3 further comprises a first lens frame 60 (an example ofa lens frame) that supports the first lens group G1, a second lens frame190 that supports the second lens group G2, a third lens frame 200 thatsupports the third lens group G3, and a fourth lens frame 90 thatsupports the fourth lens group G4.

3.1: Fixed Frame

The fixed frame 20 rotatably supports the drive frame 30 around theoptical axis A and movably supports the drive frame 30 in the Y-axisdirection (the rectilinear direction). The fixed frame 20 constitutesthe stationary-side member of the lens barrel 3 along with the masterflange 10. The fixed frame 20 is fixed to the master flange 10 byscrews. The fixed frame 20 generally comprises a substantiallycylindrical fixed frame body 21 that constitutes the main part and adrive gear 22 (see FIG. 11) that is rotatably supported by the fixedframe body 21. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a light blocking sheet 150 isarranged on the Y-axis direction positive side of the fixed frame 20.

The fixed frame body 21 is fixed to the master flange 10 and the driveframe 30 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the fixed framebody 21. The drive gear 22 meshes with a gear (not shown) in the zoommotor 110. As a result, the drive gear 22 transmits a drive force fromthe zoom motor 110 to the drive frame 30.

Three inclination grooves 23, three rotation grooves 25, and threerectilinear grooves 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c (an example of rectilineargrooves) are formed on the inner peripheral side of the fixed frame body21. The inclination grooves 23 and the rotation grooves 25 are arrangedto guide the drive frame 30. The rectilinear grooves 27 a, 27 b, and 27c are arranged to guide the camera cam frame 40 in the Y-axis direction.Rectilinear projections 46 a, 46 b, and 46 c formed on the camera camframe 40 (discussed below) (see FIG. 5) are inserted in the rectilineargrooves 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c, respectively.

Cam pins 34 (discussed below) of the drive frame 30 are inserted in theinclination grooves 23. The cam pins 34 are disposed at a substantiallyconstant pitch in the circumferential direction. The rotation grooves 25are arranged to guide the cam pins 34 in the rotation direction. Therotation grooves 25 form one guide groove with the inclination grooves23. The inclination grooves 23 are used during retraction of the lensbarrel 3, and the rotation grooves 25 are used during zooming of thelens barrel 3.

3.2: Drive Frame

The drive frame 30 rotatably supports the camera cam frame 40 around theoptical axis A and moves integrally with the camera cam frame 40 in theY-axis direction. The drive frame 30 is disposed on the inner peripheralside of the fixed frame 20. The rotary drive from the zoom motor 110 isinputted to the drive frame 30, and the drive force is transmittedthrough the drive frame 30 to other members.

The drive frame 30 has a substantially cylindrical drive frame body 31(an example of a fourth frame body) that is disposed on the innerperipheral side of the fixed frame body 21, a gear 32 (see FIG. 12)formed on the outer peripheral side of the drive frame body 31 and thethree cam pins 34 formed on the outer peripheral side of the drive framebody 31. The drive frame body 31 is disposed concentrically between thefixed frame 20 and the rotary cam frame 70 (discussed below). The driveframe body 31 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the fixedframe 20 and on the outer peripheral side of the rotary cam frame 70. Acosmetic ring 160 is attached to the end of the drive frame body 31 onthe Y-axis direction positive side. A light blocking ring 161 issandwiched between the cosmetic ring 160 and the drive frame body 31.

The gear 32 meshes with the drive gear 22 of the fixed frame 20.Consequently, the drive force from the zoom motor 110 is transmittedthrough the drive gear 22 to the drive frame 30. The three cam pins 34are disposed at a constant pitch with each other in the circumferentialdirection of the drive frame 30. The cam pins 34 are fitted into theinclination grooves 23 of the fixed frame 20. The drive frame 30 movesin the Y-axis direction while rotating around the optical axis A withrespect to the fixed frame 20. When the cam pins 34 are guided by therotation grooves 25, the drive frame 30 rotates without moving in theY-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame 20.

A first rotary groove 36, a second rotary groove 37, three guide grooves35 and three rectilinear grooves 38 are formed on the inner peripheralside of the drive frame body 31. The first rotary groove 36 is arrangedto guide first rotary projections 43 (discussed below) of the camera camframe 40 in the rotational direction. The second rotary groove 37 (seeFIG. 5) is disposed on the Y-axis direction negative side of the firstrotary groove 36. The second rotary groove 37 is arranged to guidesecond rotary projections 45 (discussed below) of the camera cam frame40 in the rotational direction. The guide grooves 35 is arranged toguide the first rotary projections 43 to the first rotary groove 36. Theguide grooves 35 is arranged to guide the second rotary projections 45to the second rotary groove 37. The guide grooves 35 are linked to thefirst rotary groove 36 and the second rotary groove 37. The three guidegrooves 35 are disposed at a constant pitch in the circumferentialdirection and extend in the Y-axis direction. The rectilinear grooves 38(see FIG. 5) are arranged to guide cam pins 76 which are fixed to baseportions 76 a (discussed below) of the rotary cam frame 70; the ends ofthe cam pins 76 is inserted in the rectilinear grooves 38. Therectilinear grooves 38 are disposed between the guide grooves 35 in thecircumferential direction. The three rectilinear grooves 38 are disposedat a constant pitch in the circumferential direction.

The drive frame 30 is driven around the optical axis A (the rotationaldirections R1 and R2) by the drive force of the zoom motor 110. Forexample, when changing the lens barrel 3 from the retracted state to theimaging state, the drive frame 30 is driven in the R1 direction by thezoom motor 110. As a result, the cam pins 34 move along the inclinationgrooves 23 of the fixed frame 20. Accordingly, the drive frame 30 thenmoves to the Y-axis direction positive side while rotating with respectto the fixed frame 20.

When the drive frame 30 is further driven in the R1 direction, the campins 34 reach the rotation grooves 25 and the cam pins 34 move in therotational direction along the rotation grooves 25. Consequently, thedrive frame 30 rotates without moving in the Y-axis direction withrespect to the fixed frame 20. Specifically, the drive frame 30 rotateswithout moving in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame20 when the rotational angle of the drive frame 30 reaches a specificangle.

In this embodiment, during retraction of the lens barrel 3, the driveframe 30 moves in the Y-axis direction while rotating with respect tothe fixed frame 20. During zooming of the lens barrel 3, the drive frame30 rotates without moving in the Y-axis direction with respect to thefixed frame 20.

When the lens barrel 3 changes from the imaging state to the retractedstate, the drive frame 30 is driven in the R2 direction by the zoommotor 110. As a result, the cam pins 34 of the drive frame 30 move alongthe rotation grooves 25 and along the inclination grooves 23 uponreaching these inclination grooves 23. Consequently, the drive frame 30moves to the Y-axis direction negative side while rotating with respectto the fixed frame 20. The drive frame 30 is stowed on the innerperipheral side of the fixed frame 20.

3.3: Camera Cam Frame

As shown in FIGS. 5, 13, 15, and 16, the camera cam frame 40 is arrangedto limit the rotation of a first rectilinear frame 100 and the secondrectilinear frame 80 with respect to the fixed frame 20. The camera camframe 40 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the drive frame 30(see FIG. 13). The camera cam frame 40 has a substantially cylindricalcamera cam frame body 41 (an example of a third frame body) thatconstitutes the main part, three cam through-grooves 42 (an example ofthrough-grooves) formed in the camera cam frame body 41, threerectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c formed on the outer peripheral sideof the camera cam frame body 41 and three flanges 44.

The camera cam frame body 41 is disposed concentrically between thefixed frame 20 and the rotary cam frame 70 (discussed below). The cameracam frame body 41 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the fixedframe 20 and on the outer peripheral side of the rotary cam frame 70.The three cam through-grooves 42 are disposed at a constant pitch alongthe circumferential direction of the cam frame body 41. The cam pins 76of the rotary cam frame 70 pass through the cam through-grooves 42 inthe radial direction.

The three rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c protrude outwardly in theradial direction from the end of the camera cam frame body 41 on theY-axis direction negative side. The three rectilinear projections 46 ato 46 c are disposed at a substantially constant pitch with each otherin the circumferential direction of the camera cam frame body 41. Therectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c are inserted in the rectilineargrooves 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c of the fixed frame 20. The rectilinearprojections 46 a to 46 c are guided by the rectilinear grooves 27 a to27 c in the Y-axis direction. The rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 cand the rectilinear grooves 27 a to 27 c allow the camera cam frame 40to move in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame 20without rotating.

As shown in FIG. 34, connection terminals 18 and 19 are arranged on theface of the master flange 10 on the opposite side from the fixed frame20. The connection terminals 18 and 19 protrude from the master flange10. A flexible printed board (not shown) is electrically connected bysolder or the like to the connection terminals 18 and 19. As shown inFIG. 34, the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c are disposed atdifferent positions, i.e. positions where the rectilinear projections 46a to 46 c do not overlap each other, from those of the connectionterminals 18 and 19 when viewed along the Y-axis direction.

The flanges 44 are formed integrally with the t rectilinear projections46 a to 46 c in the circumferential direction of the camera cam framebody 41 as a one-piece unitary member. The flanges 44, along with therectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c, form an annular portion thatprotrudes outwardly in the radial direction from the camera cam framebody 41. The rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c protrude fartheroutward in the radial direction than the flanges 44. The flanges 44increase the overall strength of the camera cam frame 40. Also, therectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c extend more towards the Y-axisdirection negative side (image plane side) than the flanges 44 (seeFIGS. 16A and 34).

Also, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16B, the camera cam frame 40 hasinsertion openings 42 a to 42 c disposed at positions corresponding tothe rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c. The insertion openings 42 a to42 c are communicate with the cam through-grooves 42 and spreadoutwardly in the radial direction beyond the cam pins 76. In addition,the size of the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c is greater than thesize of the insertion openings 42 a to 42 c in the circumferentialdirection.

Three first rotary projections 43 and three second rotary projections 45are formed on the outer peripheral side of the camera cam frame body 41.The first rotary projections 43 and the second rotary projections 45 areconsidered positioning projections. The first rotary projections 43 areguided by the first rotary groove 36 in the rotational direction. Thesecond rotary projections 45 are guided by the second rotary groove 37in the rotational direction. Accordingly, the camera cam frame 40rotates with respect to the drive frame 30 as needed while movingintegrally with the drive frame 30 in the Y-axis direction.

When the drive frame 30 rotates with respect to the fixed frame 20, thedrive frame 30 moves in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixedframe 20. During this time, the camera cam frame 40 moves in the Y-axisdirection (see FIG. 13) along with the drive frame 30 without rotatingand with respect to the fixed frame 20, i.e. while rotating with respectto the drive frame 30.

3.4: First Frame Body

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18A, and 19, the first lens frame 60 (an exampleof a lens frame) supports the first lens group G1 and is disposed on theinner peripheral side of the camera cam frame 40. More specifically, thefirst lens frame 60 has a first lens frame body 61 (an example of a lensframe body) and a flange 62 to which the first lens group G1 (an exampleof a lens element) is fixed. The flange 62 is arranged at the end of thefirst lens frame body 61 on the Y-axis direction positive side. Threefirst openings 67 a (an example of through-holes) and three secondopenings 67 b are formed in the flange 62, and pass through the firstlens frame body 61 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 21, anopening lever 53 (discussed below) of a lens barrier 50 and projections78 of the rotary cam frame 70 are inserted in the first openings 67 aand movable in the rotational direction during retraction of the lensbarrel 3. The lens barrier 50 is fixed on the Y-axis direction positiveside of the first lens frame 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the lens barrier 50and the first lens frame 60 are covered by a cosmetic ring 180. Threecut-outs 66 (an example of second cut-outs) are formed at the end of thefirst lens frame body 61 on the Y-axis direction negative side. As shownin FIG. 17, the cut-outs 66 are formed to avoid the base portions 76 awhere the cam pins 76 of the rotary cam frame 70 are fixed duringretraction of the lens barrel 3.

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18A, and 19, the three first rectilinear pins 63and three second rectilinear pins 64 are arranged on the outerperipheral side of the first lens frame body 61. Three first cam pins 68(an example of cam members) and three second cam pins 69 (an example ofprotruding members) are arranged on the inner peripheral side of thefirst lens frame body 61.

The second rectilinear pins 64 are guided by first rectilinear grooves107 of the first rectilinear frame 100 (discussed below) in the Y-axisdirection. The first rectilinear pins 63 are inserted in secondrectilinear grooves 108 of the first rectilinear frame 100. Accordingly,the first lens frame 60 moves in the Y-axis direction with respect tothe first rectilinear frame 100 without rotating. Specifically, rotationof the first lens frame 60 with respect to the fixed frame 20 is limitedby the first rectilinear frame 100 via the camera cam frame 40. Thefirst lens frame 60 is movably supported, without rotating, by the firstrectilinear frame 100 and the camera cam frame 40 in the Y-axisdirection and with respect to the fixed frame 20.

As shown in FIGS. 22A, 22B and 23, the first cam pins 68 are positioningpins, and the second cam pins 69 are reinforcing pins. The first campins 68 are guided by first cam grooves 72 (discussed below) of therotary cam frame 70. The second cam pins 69 are inserted, via a gap,into second cam grooves 73 (discussed below) of the rotary cam frame 70.

Accordingly, the first lens frame 60 is movably supported by the rotarycam frame 70 in the Y-axis direction while rotating with respect to therotary cam frame 70.

3.4.1: Configuration of First Rectilinear Pins 63, Second RectilinearPins 64, First Cam Pins 68, and Second Cam Pins 69

The first rectilinear pins 63, the second rectilinear pins 64, the firstcam pins 68 and the second cam pins 69 will now be described. As shownin FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23, the first cam pins 68 are disposedapproximately on the opposite side in the radial direction from thefirst rectilinear pins 63 with respect to the first lens frame body 61.The second cam pins 69 are disposed approximately on the opposite sidein the radial direction from the second rectilinear pins 64 with respectto the first lens frame body 61. The adjacent first rectilinear pins 63and second rectilinear pins 64 are disposed between the adjacent firstcam pins 68 and second cam pins 69. The first rectilinear pins 63 andthe second rectilinear pins 64 are integrally formed with the first lensframe body 61 as a one-piece unitary member. The first rectilinear pins63 and the second rectilinear pins 64 protrude outwardly in the radialdirection from the first lens frame body 61. The first cam pins 68 andthe second cam pins 69 are also integrally formed with the first lensframe body 61 as a one-piece unitary member. However, the first cam pins68 and the second cam pins 69 protrude inwardly in the radial directionfrom the first lens frame body 61.

The first cam grooves 72 and second cam grooves 73 of the rotary camframe 70 have the same shape, but the first cam pins 68 and second campins 69 protrude from the first lens frame body 61 in different amounts.More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the first cam pins 68and the second cam pins 69 have tapered portions 68 a and 69 a that havethe same shape, but the lengths of the cylindrical portions 68 a and 69b at the base are different. Accordingly, the first cam pins 68 protrudeinwardly in the radial direction by a length T more than the second campins 69. Therefore, the first cam pins 68 come into contact with thefirst cam grooves 72, but a space S1 is ensured between the second campins 69 and the second cam grooves 73 in the rotational direction and inthe radial direction, and basically, there is no contact between thesecond cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves 73. Since the space S1 issmall, if the first lens frame body 61 or the rotary cam frame 70deforms elastically, it is possible for the second cam pins 69 and thesecond cam grooves 73 to come into contact.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the first cam pins 68 and the firstcam grooves 72 have a tapered shape. More specifically, when the lensbarrel 3 is subjected to an external force such as an impact caused by afall, the first cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72 have a taperedshape that allows at least part of the external force in the Y-axisdirection exerted between the first lens frame 60 and the rotary camframe 70 to be converted into a force that attempts to separate thefirst lens frame 60 from the rotary cam frame 70 in the radialdirection. For example, if an external force in the Y-axis directionpushes the first cam pins 68 against the first cam grooves 72, the firstcam pins 68 try to come out of the first cam grooves 72 along thetapered faces. At this point, as illustrated in FIG. 23, a force F1 thatfaces outwardly in the radial direction is exerted on the portion of thefirst lens frame body 61 around the first cam pins 68, and a force thatfaces inwardly in the radial direction is exerted on a portion of thecam frame body 71 where the first cam pins 68 are in contact.Accordingly, the portion of the first lens frame body 61 around thefirst cam pins 68 elastically deforms so as to move outwardly in theradial direction, and the portion of the cam frame body 71 around thefirst cam pins 68 elastically deforms so as to move inwardly in theradial direction.

Meanwhile, when the first lens frame body 61 and the cam frame body 71undergo elastic deformation, the portion of the first lens frame body 61around the second cam pins 69 elastically deforms so as to move inwardlyin the radial direction, and the portion of the cam frame body 71 aroundthe second cam pins 69 elastically deforms so as to move outwardly inthe radial direction. As a result, the second cam pins 69 are pushedinto the second cam grooves 73. Furthermore, the first lens frame 60 iselastically deformed by an external force in the Y-axis direction, andthe second cam pins 69 are pushed against the second cam grooves 73 inthe Y-axis direction.

However, the second cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves 73 have atapered shape such that at least part of the external force exerted inthe Y-axis direction between the first lens frame 60 and the rotary camframe 70 can be converted into a force that attempts to separate thefirst lens frame 60 from the rotary cam frame 70 in the radialdirection. For example, as discussed above, when the second cam pins 69are pushed into the second cam grooves 73, a force F2 (see FIG. 23)generated by the tapered shape attempts to remove the second cam pins 69from the second cam grooves 73. As a result, a force that facesoutwardly in the radial direction is exerted on the portion around thesecond cam pins 69. In addition, a force that faces inwardly in theradial direction is exerted on the portion where the second cam pins 69come into contact. Accordingly, there is a good balance between theseforces and the force transmitted from the first cam pins 68, and thereis less uneven deformation of the first lens frame 60 and the rotary camframe 70.

Thus, positioning of the first lens frame 60 with respect to the cameracam frame 40 is performed solely by the first cam pins 68 and the firstcam grooves 72. However, if the user should drop the digital camera 1,for example, then the impact can be absorbed by the second cam pins 69in addition to the first cam pins 68. Accordingly, the impact of thedrop can be distributed to the first cam pins 68 and the second cam pins69, which prevents damage to the first cam pins 68 and the second campins 69. Furthermore, the second cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves73 prevents the first cam pins 68 and the second cam pins 69 from comingout of the first cam grooves 72 and the second cam grooves 73 of therotary cam frame 70 in the event that the lens barrel 3 is subjected toa large external force.

The first cam pins 68 and the second cam pins 69 are also characterizedby their layout in the circumferential direction of the lens frame 60.More specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the three first cam pins 68 aredisposed at a constant pitch with each other in the circumferentialdirection, and the three second cam pins 69 are disposed at a constantpitch with each other in the circumferential direction of the lens frame60. However, the first cam pins 68 are not disposed at a constant pitchwith the second cam pins 69 in the circumferential direction of the lensframe 60.

The first cam pins 68 are disposed closer to the second cam pins 69 onthe rotational direction R1 side than the second cam pins 69 on therotational direction R2 side. The angle θ1 between the first cam pins 68and the second cam pins 69 on the rotational direction R2 side issmaller than the angle θ2 between the first cam pins 68 and the secondcam pins 69 on the rotational direction R1 side. The relationshipbetween the angles θ1 and θ2 is also the same with the first rectilinearpins 63 and the second rectilinear pins 64.

Since the first cam pins 68 are not disposed at a constant pitch withthe second cam pins 69 in the circumferential direction, this preventsthe first lens frame 60 from being attached the wrong way to the rotarycam frame 70. For example, the distance between the centers of each pinis used to determine the pitch in the circumferential direction of thelens frame 60.

3.5: Rotary Cam Frame

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18B, and 19, the rotary cam frame 70 is used tomovably support the first lens frame 60, the second lens frame 190, thethird lens frame 200 and the fourth lens frame 90 in the Y-axisdirection. The rotary cam frame 70 is disposed on the inner peripheralside of the fixed frame 20 and on the inner peripheral side of the firstlens frame 60. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the rotarycam frame 70 has the substantially cylindrical cam frame body 71 (anexample of a second frame body), the three projections 78, threecut-outs 79 (an example of first cut-outs), the three cam pins 76 (anexample of guide members) arranged on the outer peripheral side of thecam frame body 71, an annular flange 77 and three rotary projections 75.The three cam pins 76 are disposed at a constant pitch in thecircumferential direction of the cam frame 70.

As shown in FIGS. 18B, 19, and 21, the projections 78 are disposed atthe end of the cam frame body 71 on the Y-axis direction positive sideand protrude from the cam frame body 71 on the Y-axis direction positiveside. The cut-outs 79 are disposed between the three projections 78 andrecessed towards the Y-axis direction negative side. It could also besaid that the cut-outs 79 are formed by the projections 78. Theprojections 78 are arranged to be inserted in the first openings 67 a ofthe first lens frame 60 during retraction.

One of the three projections 78 functions as a drive projection forpushing the opening lever 53 (discussed below) of the lens barrier 50 inthe rotational direction. This particular projection 78 is disposed onthe rotational direction R1 side of the opening lever 53. One of thecut-outs 79 is where the opening lever 53 is inserted in the Y-axisdirection. This particular cut-out 79 is disposed on the rotationaldirection R2 side of the projection 78 and functions as a driveprojection.

The flange 77 is arranged at the end of the cam frame body 71 on theY-axis direction negative side. The flange 77 has a flange body 77 a, acylindrical part 77 b, and a stopper 77 c (see FIGS. 8 to 10). Theflange body 77 a protrudes outwardly in the radial direction from thecam frame body 71. The cylindrical part 77 b is disposed on the outerperipheral part of the flange body 77 a and protrudes from the flangebody 77 a towards the Y-axis direction negative side. The stopper 77 cprotrudes inwardly in the radial direction from the cylindrical part 77b. The stopper 77 c is arranged to attach the second rectilinear frame80 to the rotary cam frame 70. The stopper 77 c is caught by a pluralityof rotary projections 81 a of the second rectilinear frame 80 (discussedbelow) (see FIG. 12B and FIGS. 8 to 10).

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18B, and 19, the rotary projections 75 protrudeoutwardly in the radial direction from the cam frame body 71 and aredisposed at substantially the same position as the cam pins 76 in thecircumferential direction. The rotary projections 75 are disposed at aconstant pitch in the circumferential direction and inserted in a rotarygroove 105 of the first rectilinear frame 100 (see FIG. 8). Since therotary projections 75 are inserted in the rotary groove 105, the rotarycam frame 70 moves integrally with the first rectilinear frame 100 inthe Y-axis direction. The rotary cam frame 70 and the first rectilinearframe 100 do not rotate with respect to the fixed frame 20, so therotary cam frame 70 moves integrally with the first rectilinear frame100 in the Y-axis direction without rotating and with respect to thefirst rectilinear frame 100.

Since the distal ends of the cam pins 76 are inserted in the straightgrooves 38 of the drive frame 30 (see FIG. 14B), the rotary cam frame 70is movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the drive frame 30while rotating integrally with the drive frame 30. Also, since the campins 76 pass through the cam through-grooves 42 of the camera cam frame40, the rotary cam frame 70 rotates relative to the camera cam frame 40.At this point, the cam pins 76 move along the cam through-grooves 42;and as a result, the rotary cam frame 70 rotates along with the driveframe 30 while moving in the Y-axis direction with respect to the driveframe 30 according to the shape of the cam through-grooves 42.

With the above arrangement, the rotary cam frame 70 is capable ofrotating integrally with the drive frame 30 and moving in the Y-axisdirection with respect to the drive frame 30. Specifically, the rotarycam frame 70 is movable in the Y-axis direction while rotating withrespect to the fixed frame 20. The amount of movement of the rotary camframe 70 in the Y-axis direction is the sum of the amount of movement ofthe drive frame 30 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixedframe 20 and the amount of movement of the rotary cam frame 70 in theY-axis direction with respect to the drive frame 30.

Also, since the first lens frame 60 is supported by the rotary cam frame70, as discussed above, the amount of movement of the first lens frame60 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame 20 is suchthat the amount of movement of the first lens frame 60 in the Y-axisdirection with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 is added to the amountof movement of the rotary cam frame 70 in the Y-axis direction.Accordingly, a good zoom ratio can be ensured while achieving a morecompact lens barrel 3.

3.5.1: Constitution of First Cam Grooves 72 and Second Cam Grooves 73

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, the three first cam grooves 72 (an exampleof cam grooves) and the three second cam grooves 73 (an example ofauxiliary grooves) are formed on the outer peripheral side of the camframe body 71. The first cam pins 68 are inserted in the first camgrooves 72 and the first cam grooves 72 movably support the first lensframe 60 with respect to the cam frame body 71. The second cam grooves73 are used for reinforcement, and the second cam pins 69 are insertedin the second cam grooves 73. The three first cam grooves 72 aredisposed at a constant pitch with each other in the circumferentialdirection, and the three second cam grooves 73 are disposed at aconstant pitch with each other in the circumferential direction of thecam frame body 71. The shape of the second cam grooves 73 issubstantially the same as that of the first cam grooves 72, but differsfrom the shape of the first cam grooves 72 on a point that steppedportions 73 a are formed around the ends 73 b of the second cam grooves73.

The first cam grooves 72 are formed in the cam frame body 71 and theprojections 78. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, lead-ingrooves 72 a of the first cam grooves 72 are formed in the projections78. As shown in FIG. 20A, when the lens barrel 3 is in a telephotostate, a wide angle state, and a retracted state, the first cam pins 68are positioned at a telephoto position Pt1, a wide angle position Pw1,and a retracted position Pr1, respectively, in the first cam grooves 72.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the lens barrel 3 is in thetelephoto state, the wide angle state, and/or the retracted state, thesecond cam pins 69 are positioned at a telephoto position Pt2, a wideangle position Pw2, and a retracted position Pr2, respectively, in thesecond cam grooves 73. The cut-outs 79, formed by recesses in the end ofthe cam frame body 71 to the Y-axis direction negative side, are formedaround the ends of the second cam grooves 73 on the Y-axis directionpositive side (around the telephoto position Pt2). Accordingly, thesecond cam grooves 73 have auxiliary insertion openings 73 f that aredisposed between two adjacent projections 78 and opened on the sidewhere the projections 78 protrude. Parts of the second cam grooves 73are cut out by the cut-outs 79. It could be said that the auxiliaryinsertion openings 73 f are formed as a result of this. Since the secondcam grooves 73 extend in the circumferential direction around theauxiliary insertion openings 73 f, the size of the auxiliary insertionopenings 73 f in the circumferential direction is larger than the widthof the second cam grooves 73. Also, the size of the auxiliary insertionopenings 73 f is larger than the width of the lead-in grooves 72 a ofthe first cam grooves 72 in the circumferential direction.

The stepped portions 73 a are capable of coming into contact in therotational direction with the distal ends of the second cam pins 69guided by the second cam grooves 73. The height of the stepped portions73 a is set so that when the first lens frame 60 and the rotary camframe 70 have rotated relative to each other, the distal ends of thesecond cam pins 69 will ride up over the stepped portions 73 a. When thedistal ends of the second cam pins 69 ride up over the stepped portions73 a, movement of the second cam pins 69 is limited between the steppedportions 73 a and the ends 73 b of the second cam grooves 73.Specifically, the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70essentially become an integral member. If a specific rotational force isexerted between the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70, thesecond cam pins 69 rides up over the stepped portions 73 a and relativerotation between the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 ispermitted.

Thus, the first lens frame second cam pins 69 and the stepped portions73 a constitute a locking mechanism for the first lens frame 60 and therotary cam frame 70.

The grooves between the stepped portions 73 a and the ends 73 b are usedonly during assembly and they are not used during the retraction orzooming operations of the lens barrel 3.

As shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 20A, 21, and 36, the rotary cam frame 70 hasfirst contact portions 73 c that form the edge of the second cam grooves73 and second contact portions 73 d that form the bottom of the secondcam grooves 73. The first contact portions 73 c are disposed opposite tothe second cam pins 69 via an oblique gap K1 that forms a spaceobliquely along the Y-axis direction when the optical system O is in thetelephoto state, i.e. the telephoto position Pt2 shown in FIG. 20A. SeeFIG. 36. The first contact portions 73 c have a tapered shape that iscomplementary with the second cam pins 69 and inclined faces 73 e thatare opposite to the second cam pins 69. The second contact portions 73 dform the bottom of the second cam grooves 73 and are disposed oppositeto the second cam pins 69 via a radial gap K2 that forms a space in theradial direction of the cam frame.

3.5.2: Constitution of Third Cam Grooves 74 a and Fourth Cam Grooves 74b

As shown in FIGS. 18B, 20B, and 21, three third cam grooves 74 a andthree fourth cam grooves 74 b are formed on the inner peripheral side ofthe cam frame body 71. The three third cam grooves 74 a are used toguide cam pins 192 (discussed below) of the second lens frame 190. Thethree third cam grooves 74 a are disposed at a constant pitch in thecircumferential direction. The fourth cam grooves 74 b are used to guidecam pins 229 (discussed below) of a base frame 220 constituting thethird lens frame 200. The fourth cam grooves 74 b are disposed at aconstant pitch with each other in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 20B, when the lens barrel 3 is in the telephoto state,the wide angle state, and the retracted state, the cam pins 192 arepositioned at a telephoto position Pt3, a wide angle position Pw3, and aretracted position Pr3, respectively, in the first cam grooves 72. Also,when the lens barrel 3 is in the telephoto state, the wide angle state,and/or the retracted state, the cam pins 229 are positioned at atelephoto position Pt4, a wide angle position Pw4, and a retractedposition Pr4, respectively.

With the above arrangement, the amount of movement of the second lensframe 190 with respect to the fixed frame 20 in the Y-axis direction isthe sum of adding the amount of movement of the second lens frame 190 inthe Y-axis direction to the amount of movement of the rotary cam frame70 in the Y-axis direction.

Also, the amount of movement of the third lens frame 200 with respect tothe fixed frame 20 in the Y-axis direction is the sum of adding theamount of movement of the third lens frame 200 in the Y-axis directionto the amount of movement of the rotary cam frame 70 in the Y-axisdirection.

3.5.3: Constitution of Projections 78

Further, as shown in FIGS. 18B, 19, and 21, the three projections 78extending in the Y-axis direction from the cam frame body 71 and thecut-outs 79 disposed between the three projections 78 are formed at theend of the cam frame body 71 on the Y-axis direction positive side. Oneof the three projections 78 functions as a drive projection for pushingthe opening lever 53 (discussed below) of the lens barrier 50 in therotational direction. This particular projection 78 is disposed on therotational direction R1 side of the opening lever 53. One of the threecut-outs 79 is a portion where the opening lever 53 is inserted in theY-axis direction. This particular cut-out 79 is disposed on therotational direction R2 side of the projection 78 and functions as adrive projection.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 21, the lens barrier 50 is a mechanism forprotecting the first lens group G1 when the digital camera 1 is not inuse (when the lens is retracted). The lens barrier 50 is fixed on theY-axis direction positive side of the first lens frame 60. Morespecifically, the lens barrier 50 has a barrier mechanism 51, a pair ofbarrier blades 52 and the opening lever 53. The barrier mechanism 51supports the pair of barrier blades 52 which is capable of opening andshutting.

The opening and shutting of the pair of barrier blades 52 is switched bythe opening lever 53. More specifically, the opening lever 53 issupported by the barrier mechanism 51 to be movable in the rotationaldirection. For example, the opening lever 53 is movable in therotational direction between an open position Po and a shut position Ps.See FIG. 21. The opening lever 53 is disposed on the rotationaldirection R2 side of the projections 78 of the rotary cam frame 70. Theopening lever 53 is driven by the projections 78.

When the opening lever 53 is not under any load, the barrier blades 52are kept open (with the opening lever 53 in the open position Po) by aspring (not shown) of the barrier mechanism 51. When the opening lever53 is pushed to the rotational direction R2 side, the opening lever 53moves to the shut position Ps. The pair of barrier blades 52 is shut.When the opening lever 53 is held in the shut position Ps, the pair ofbarrier blades 52 is also held shut.

3.7: First Rectilinear Frame

As shown in FIGS. 6, 22A, 22B, 23, and 25A, the first rectilinear frame100 has a first rectilinear frame body 109, three first projections 101,three second projections 102, three first rectilinear grooves 107, threesecond rectilinear grooves 108 and a rotary groove 105. The firstrectilinear frame 100 is disposed concentrically between the camera camframe 40 and the first lens frame 60.

The first rectilinear frame body 109 is a substantially cylindricalmember, and a cosmetic ring 170 is fixed to the end of the firstrectilinear frame body 109 on the Y-axis direction positive side. Thefirst projections 101 and the second projections 102 are arranged on theouter peripheral part of the first rectilinear frame body 109 andprotrude outwardly in the radial direction from the first rectilinearframe body 109. The first projections 101 and the second projections 102are disposed at the end of the first rectilinear frame body 109 on theY-axis direction negative side. The three first projections 101 aredisposed at a constant pitch with each other in the circumferentialdirection, and the three second projections 102 are disposed at aconstant pitch with each other in the circumferential direction. Thefirst projections 101 are inserted in third rectilinear grooves 49 ofthe camera cam frame 40, and the second projections 102 are inserted infirst rectilinear grooves 47 of the camera cam frame 40. The firstprojections 101, the second projections 102, the third rectilineargrooves 49 and the first rectilinear grooves 47 allow the firstrectilinear frame 100 to move in the Y-axis direction with respect tothe camera cam frame 40 without rotating.

The first rectilinear grooves 107 and the second rectilinear grooves 108extend in the Y-axis direction and are formed on the inner peripheralface of the first rectilinear frame body 109. The second rectilinearpins 64 of the first lens frame 60 are inserted in the first rectilineargrooves 107, and the first rectilinear pins 63 of the first lens frame60 are inserted in the second rectilinear grooves 108. The firstrectilinear grooves 107, the second rectilinear grooves 108, the firstrectilinear pins 63 and the second rectilinear pins 64 allow the firstlens frame 60 to move in the Y-axis direction with respect to the firstrectilinear frame 100 without rotating.

The rotary groove 105 is an annular groove arranged on the innerperipheral face of the first rectilinear frame 100. The rotary groove105 accepts insertion of the rotary projections 75 of the rotary camframe 70. The rotary groove 105 and the rotary projections 75 allow therotary cam frame 70 to move integrally in the Y-axis direction and torotate with respect to the first rectilinear frame 100.

Also, as shown in FIG. 37, a space S2 is maintained between the cosmeticring 170 and the first rectilinear frame body 109 in the Y-axisdirection, and a light blocking ring 171 is disposed in this space S2.The light blocking ring 171 has a cylindrical part 171 a and a slidingportion 171 b that protrudes inwardly in the radial direction from thecylindrical part 171 a.

The cylindrical part 171 a is formed thicker than the sliding portion171 b. The sliding portion 171 b is arranged to slide with the cosmeticring 180 and disposed in the center of the cylindrical part 171 a in theY-axis direction. Since the sliding portion 171 b is disposed in thecenter of the cylindrical part 171 a, even if the sliding portion 171 bdeforms in the Y-axis direction, the cosmetic ring 170 and the firstrectilinear frame body 109 will not come into contact.

A gap is maintained between the cylindrical part 171 a and the cosmeticring 170 in the radial direction. The length of the cylindrical part 171a in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the distance between thecosmetic ring 170 and the first rectilinear frame body 109 in the Y-axisdirection. Therefore, the light blocking ring 171 can freely movebetween the cosmetic ring 170 and the first rectilinear frame body 109.This eliminates the need to fix the light blocking ring 171 to the firstrectilinear frame body 109 or the cosmetic ring 170, so bonding space isreduced and the bonding step can also be cut back.

3.8: Second Rectilinear Frame

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, the second rectilinear frame 80 is a memberfor preventing the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200from rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20. The second rectilinearframe 80 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the drive frame 30.More specifically, the second rectilinear frame 80 has an annular secondrectilinear frame body 81, a plurality of rotary projections 81 a (seeFIGS. 7 to 10), three rectilinear pins 84 a, 84 b, and 84 c formed onthe outer peripheral part of the second rectilinear frame body 81 and apair of support plates 85 (an example of a first support portion andsecond support portion) extending towards the Y-axis direction positiveside from the inner peripheral part of the second rectilinear frame body81.

The second rectilinear frame body 81 is housed in the flange 77 of therotary cam frame 70 and attached to the flange 77 to be movableintegrally in the Y-axis direction with respect to the flange 77. Morespecifically, the plurality of rotary projections 81 a is inserted inthe circumferential direction between the flange body 77 a and thestopper 77 c of the flange 77. As a result, the second rectilinear frame80 is rotatable with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 and movesintegrally with the rotary cam frame 70 in the Y-axis direction. Also,the inside diameter of the second rectilinear frame body 81 is set to belarge enough for the base frame 220 to pass through.

The rectilinear pins 84 to 84 c are guided by fourth rectilinear grooves48 a to 48 c formed on the inner peripheral side of the camera cam frame40. Accordingly, the second rectilinear frame 80 is movably supported bythe camera cam frame 40 in the Y-axis direction without rotating andwith respect to the camera cam frame 40. As discussed above, the cameracam frame 40 does not rotate with respect to the fixed frame 20.Specifically, the camera cam frame 40 allows the second rectilinearframe 80 to move in the Y-axis direction without rotating and withrespect to the fixed frame 20. Since the rotary cam frame 70 rotatesalong with the drive frame 30 with respect to the fixed frame 20, thesecond rectilinear frame 80 moves integrally with the rotary cam frame70 in the Y-axis direction while rotating with respect to the rotary camframe 70.

The pair of support plates 85 are a plate-like portion protrudingtowards the Y-axis direction positive side from the inner peripheralpart of the second rectilinear frame body 81 (more precisely, the innerperipheral edge of the second rectilinear frame body 81). The pair ofsupport plates 85 movably supports the base frame 220 of the third lensframe 200 and the second lens frame 190 e in the Y-axis direction. Eachof the support plates 85 are disposed opposite to each other with theoptical axis A therein between. The second lens frame 190 and the baseframe 220 are sandwiched in between the pair of support plates 85. Thepair of support plates 85 also protrude inwardly in the radial directionfrom the inner peripheral edge of the second rectilinear frame body 81(see FIG. 26).

The pair of support plates 85 is inserted in rectilinear guide grooves193 (an example of a first rectilinear guide groove and secondrectilinear guide groove) of the second lens frame 190 and rectilinearguide grooves 223 (an example of a third rectilinear guide groove andfourth rectilinear guide groove) of the base frame 220. More precisely,the support plates 85 have first plates 82 (an example of a firstportion and second portion) that are inserted in the rectilinear guidegrooves 223 and second plates 83 (an example of a third portion andfourth portion) that are inserted in the rectilinear guide grooves 193.The first plates 82 are the base portions of the support plates 85 andextend toward the Y-axis direction positive side from the secondrectilinear frame body 81. The second plates 83 extend toward the Y-axisdirection positive side from the ends of the first plates 82.

The width of the second plates 83 is different from the width of thefirst plates 82 in the circumferential direction. More specifically, asshown in FIG. 27, the width W1 of the first plates 82 is greater thanthe width W2 of the second plates 83 in the circumferential direction.The length L2 of the second plate 83 in the Y-axis direction is greaterthan the length L1 of the first plate 82 in the Y-axis direction.Further, the thickness of the second plates 83 (the size in the radialdirection) is greater than the thickness of the first plates 82 (thesize in the radial direction).

Also, part of the second lens frame 190 can be inserted in therectilinear guide grooves 223 in a state in which the second lens frame190 and the third lens frame 200 are closest in the optical axisdirection. More specifically, the second lens frame 190 has a pair ofguide portions 194 (an example of a first sliding portion and secondsliding portion) disposed on both sides of the second plates 83 in thecircumferential direction. The pair of guide portions 194 forms therectilinear guide grooves 193 and are arranged on the respectiverectilinear guide grooves 193. The third lens frame 200 has a pair ofguide portions 224 (an example of a third sliding portion and fourthsliding portion) disposed on both sides of the first plates 82 in thecircumferential direction. The pair of guide portions 224 is disposed toform the rectilinear guide groove 223. As shown in FIG. 27, the guideportions 194 are inserted in the rectilinear guide grooves 223 in astate in which the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200are closest in the optical axis direction. At this point, the guideportions 224 are inserted in a pair of concave portions 195 formed tothe side of the pair of guide portions 194. As shown in FIGS. 27A and27B, the cam pins 229 are arranged on the guide portions 224, and thecam pins 192 are disposed at the side of the concave portions 195. Asshown in FIG. 27B, the cam pins 192 and the cam pins 229 are disposed atsubstantially the same positions in the Y-axis direction in a state inwhich the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200 are closestin the optical axis direction, i.e. a state in which the cam pins 192and the cam pins 229 are disposed at the retracted position Pr3 and theretracted position Pr4. (See FIG. 20B).

With this constitution, the second lens frame 190 and the base frame 220are guided by the support plates 85 of the second rectilinear frame 80in the Y-axis direction. Since the rotation of the second rectilinearframe 80 with respect to the camera cam frame 40 is limited by the threerectilinear pins 84 a to 84 c, the second lens frame 190 and the thirdlens frame 200 are movable in the Y-axis direction without rotating withrespect to the camera cam frame 40 and the fixed frame 20.

3.9: Second Lens Frame

The second lens frame 190 is arranged to support the second lens groupG2 movably in the Y-axis direction, and is disposed on the innerperipheral side of the second rectilinear frame 80. More specifically,as shown in FIG. 7, the second lens frame 190 has a second lens framebody 191 that supports the second lens group G2, three cam pins 192arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second lens frame body 191and a pair of rectilinear guide grooves 193 formed on the outerperipheral part of the second lens frame body 191. The cam pins 192 arefitted into the third cam grooves 74 a of the rotary cam frame 70.

The rectilinear guide grooves 193 extend in the Y-axis direction and aredisposed at positions corresponding to the support plates 85 of thesecond rectilinear frame 80. The pair of rectilinear guide grooves 193is disposed sandwiching the second lens group G2. One of the rectilinearguide grooves 193 is disposed on the opposite side of the second lensgroup G2 from the other rectilinear guide groove 193.

The width of the rectilinear guide grooves 193 in the circumferentialdirection is substantially the same as the width W2 of the second plates83 of the support plates 85. As mentioned above, the rectilinear guidegrooves 193 are formed by the pair of guide portions 194. The pair ofguide portions 194 is disposed spaced apart in the circumferentialdirection. The rectilinear guide grooves 193 are formed between the pairof guide portions 194. The second plates 83 is sandwiched in between thepair of guide portions 194 in the circumferential direction. The pair ofguide portions 194 is slidable with the second plates 83.

Also, the concave portions 195 are formed on both sides of the pair ofguide portions 194. The guide portions 224 (discussed below) of thethird lens frame 200 can be inserted in the concave portions 195 in astate in which the second lens frame 190 and the base frame 220 areclosest in the Y-axis direction.

With the above constitution, the second lens frame 190 is movable in theY-axis direction according to the shape of the third cam grooves 74 awithout rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20.

3.10: Third Lens Frame

The third lens frame 200 constitutes a shake compensation device forsuppressing movement of the optical image with respect to the CCD imagesensor 141 caused by movement of the housing 2. The third lens frame 200is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the second rectilinear frame80. The third lens frame 200 is movable as a whole in the Y-axisdirection with respect to the fixed frame 20 and movably supports thethird lens group G3 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Morespecifically, as shown in FIGS. 7, 28A, 28B, 29A, and 29B, the thirdlens frame 200 has the base frame 220 and a correcting lens frame 210that supports the third lens group G3.

The base frame 220 has a base frame body 221, three cam pins 229arranged on the outer peripheral part of the base frame body 221, a pairof rectilinear guide grooves 223, a rotary shaft 222, a limiting shaft225, a first support shaft 226 and a second support shaft 227. The campins 229 are fitted into the fourth cam grooves 74 b of the rotary camframe 70.

The rectilinear guide grooves 223 extend in the Y-axis direction and aredisposed at positions corresponding to the support plates 85 of thesecond rectilinear frame 80. The pair of rectilinear guide grooves 223is disposed sandwiching the second lens group G2. One of the rectilinearguide grooves 223 is disposed on the opposite side of the second lensgroup G2 from the other rectilinear guide groove 223.

The width of the rectilinear guide grooves 223 in the circumferentialdirection is substantially the same as the width W1 of the first plates82 of the support plates 85. As mentioned above, the rectilinear guidegrooves 223 are formed by the pair of guide portions 224. The pair ofguide portions 224 is disposed spaced apart in the circumferentialdirection, and the rectilinear guide grooves 223 are formed between thepair of guide portions 224. The first plates 82 is sandwich in betweenthe pair of guide portions 224 in the circumferential direction, and thepair of guide portions 224 is slidable with the first plates 82. One ofthe three cam pins 229 is arranged on the guide portions 224 (see FIG.27A).

The rotary shaft 222, the limiting shaft 225, the first support shaft226, and the second support shaft 227 are fixed to the base frame body221. The rotary shaft 222 rotatably supports the correcting lens frame210 around a rotational axis B. The limiting shaft 225 protrudes fromthe base frame 220 and limits the range of movement of the correctinglens frame 210 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and withrespect to the base frame 220.

The first support shaft 226 and the second support shaft 227 movablysupport the correcting lens frame 210 in a plane perpendicular to theoptical axis A. Both ends of the first support shaft 226 are fixed tothe base frame body 221. The second support shaft 227 is shorter thanthe first support shaft 226. One end of the second support shaft 227 isfixed to the base frame body 221.

The correcting lens frame 210 is movably supported by the base frame 220in the pitch direction (an example of a first direction; the X axisdirection) and the yaw direction (an example of a second direction; theZ-axis direction). More specifically, the correcting lens frame 210 hasa support frame body 211, a pair of guide portions 212, a limiter 215, apair of first guide members 216 and a second guide member 217.

The pair of guide portions 212 protrudes from the base frame body 221 tothe X-axis direction positive side and is disposed spaced apart in theZ-axis direction. The rotary shaft 222 is inserted between the pair ofguide portions 212. The guide portions 212 and the rotary shaft 222allow the correcting lens frame 210 to move in the X-axis direction andto rotate around a center line B with respect to the base frame 220.

The limiter 215 is disposed on the opposite side of the support framebody 211 from the guide portions 212 and protrudes from the supportframe body 211 towards the X-axis direction negative side. The limiter215 is an annular member, and the limiting shaft 225 is inserted in thelimiter 215. The limiter 215 and the limiting shaft 225 determine themovable range of the correcting lens frame 210 with respect to the baseframe 220.

As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the pair of first guide members 216slides with the first support shaft 226 and accepts insertion of thefirst support shaft 226. The first guide members 216 and the firstsupport shaft 226 limit the movement of the correcting lens frame 210 inthe Y-axis direction with respect to the base frame 220.

The second guide member 217 slides with the second support shaft 227,and the second support shaft 227 is inserted in the second guide member217. The second guide member 217 and the second support shaft 227 limitthe movement of the correcting lens frame 210 in the Y-axis directionwith respect to the base frame 220.

Also, a pitch direction drive coil 233, a yaw direction drive coil 234,a pitch direction position sensor 231 and a yaw direction positionsensor 232 are arranged on the base frame 220.

Furthermore, a pitch yoke 237, a yaw yoke 238, a pitch magnet 235 and ayaw magnet 236 are arranged on the correcting lens frame 210. The pitchyoke 237 is fixed to the base frame 220, and the pitch magnet 235 isfixed to the pitch yoke 237. The yaw yoke 238 is fixed to the base frame220, and the yaw magnet 236 is fixed to the yaw yoke 238.

The pitch yoke 237 and the pitch magnet 235 are disposed opposite to thepitch direction drive coil 233 in the Y-axis direction. The yaw magnet236 and the yaw yoke 238 are disposed opposite to the yaw directiondrive coil 234 in the Y-axis direction. The pitch direction drive coil233, along with the pitch magnet 235 and the pitch yoke 237, constitutesa first drive unit 241 that produces a drive force in the pitchdirection. The yaw direction drive coil 234, along with the yaw magnet236 and the yaw yoke 238, constitutes a second drive unit 242 thatproduces a drive force in the yaw direction.

The features of how the various components are disposed will now beexplained. As shown in FIG. 28B, the first support shaft 226 has a firstcenter line D1, and the first center line D1 is disposed parallel to theX-axis. The second support shaft 227 has a second center line D2, andthe second center line D2 is disposed parallel to the X-axis. Whenviewed from a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction, the rotaryshaft 222 and the limiting shaft 225 are disposed between the firstcenter line D1 and the second center line D2. When viewed from adirection parallel to the optical axis, the rotary shaft 222 and thelimiting shaft 225 are disposed between the first center line of thefirst support shaft 226 and the second center line of the second supportshaft 227. When viewed from a direction parallel to the Y-axisdirection, a reference line segment D3 intersects the center of therotary shaft 222 and the center of the limiting shaft 225 and isperpendicular to the Y-axis direction is parallel to the first centerline D1 and the second center line D2. When viewed from a directionparallel to the optical axis, the reference line segment D3 does notoverlap the first center line D1 or the second center line D2.

The rotary shaft 222, the limiting shaft 225, the first support shaft226 and the second support shaft 227 are disposed at mutually differentpositions, i.e. positions that do not overlap each other, when viewedfrom a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. The rotary shaft 222,the limiting shaft 225, the first support shaft 226 and the secondsupport shaft 227 are disposed at different positions, i.e. positionsthat do not overlap each other, from those of the first drive unit 241and the second drive unit 242. As shown in FIG. 30, the result of thisconfiguration is that the first support shaft 226 and the second supportshaft 227 positioned within a region J where the first drive unit 241and the second drive unit 242 are disposed. The region J extends in thedirection of the optical axis. Furthermore, a plane H1 that includes thefirst center line D1 and the second center line D2 is disposed near asliding position H2 between the rotary shaft 222 and the slidingportions 212 a of the guide portions 212. Because of the above, theoverall size of the third lens frame 200 in the Y-axis direction can besmaller, i.e. the shake compensation device can be made thinner.

As shown in FIG. 28A, the combined center of gravity G of the third lensgroup G3, the correcting lens frame 210 and the portion driven by thefirst drive unit 241 and the second drive unit 242 is disposed betweenthe first center line of the first support shaft 226 and the secondcenter line of the second support shaft 227 when viewed from a directionparallel to the optical axis. The “portion driven by the first driveunit 241 and the second drive unit 242” referred to herein above meansthe assembly made up of the third lens group G3, the correcting lensframe 210, the pitch magnet 235, the yaw magnet 236, the pitch yoke 237and the yaw yoke 238. This layout stabilizes the third lens group G3when being driven.

3.11: Fourth Lens Frame

As shown in FIG. 7, the fourth lens frame 90 is arranged to support thefourth lens group G4 movably in the Y-axis direction, and is supportedmovably in the Y-axis direction by three shafts 14 a, 14 b, and 14 cformed on the master flange 10. The fourth lens frame 90 is driven by afocus motor 120 fixed to the master flange 10. When the fourth lensframe 90 is driven by the focus motor 120, the fourth lens frame 90moves in the Y-axis direction with respect to the master flange 10. Thisallows the focus to be adjusted in the optical system O.

3.11: Shutter Unit

The shutter unit 95 is a mechanism for adjusting the exposure state. Theshutter unit 95 is disposed between the second lens frame 190 and thethird lens frame 200. The shutter unit 95 is fixed to the base frame 220of the third lens frame 200 and is movable along with the third lensframe 200 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame 20.

3.12: Imaging Element Unit

As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33C, an imaging element unit 140 has the masterflange 10, an IR absorbent glass 135 (an example of an optical element),the CCD image sensor 141, a light blocking sheet 130, a CCD sheet metal142 (an example of a plate), a CCD cover glass 143 and the connectionterminals 18 and 19.

The master flange 10 is fixed to the fixed frame 20 and disposed on theY-axis direction negative side of the fixed frame 20. A rectangularopening 12 is formed in the master flange 10. An optical image formed bythe optical system O passes through the opening 12 and is formed on thelight receiving face of the CCD image sensor 141.

The IR absorbent glass 135 is a rectangular sheet-form member that issmaller than the opening 12 and disposed within the opening 12. The IRabsorbent glass 135 is subjected to light that passes through theopening 12 and onto infrared absorption processing (an example ofoptical processing). The CCD image sensor 141 converts light that hasbeen transmitted by the IR absorbent glass 135 into an electricalsignal.

The light blocking sheet 130 is a sheet-form member that is sandwichedbetween the CCD image sensor 141 and the IR absorbent glass 135. Thelight blocking sheet 130 has an annular bonded portion 131 (an exampleof a first light blocker) and an expanded part 132 (an example of asecond light blocker) disposed to the outside of the bonded portion 131.

The bonded portion 131 is an annular member sandwiched between the IRabsorbent glass 135 and the CCD image sensor 141 (more precisely,between the IR absorbent glass 135 and the CCD cover glass 143). Thebonded portion 131 is adhesively fixed to the IR absorbent glass 135 andthe CCD cover glass 143. An opening 131 a in the bonded portion 131 issmaller than the contour of the IR absorbent glass 135 and the CCD coverglass 143.

The expanded part 132 is used to prevent dust from coming in and isformed larger than the contour of the opening 12. The expanded part 132comes into contact with the master flange 10 and bends so as to comeinto contact with the master flange 10.

The master flange 10 has an inclined face 14 that is formed around theopening 12 and is inclined with respect to the light receiving face ofthe CCD image sensor 141. The entire surface of the expanded part 132 isin firm contact with the inclined face 14. The inclined face 14 isinclined so that there is a snug fit with the entire expanded part 132.

4: OPERATION OF DIGITAL CAMERA

The operation of the digital camera 1 will be described throughreference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

4.1: When Power is Off

When the power switch 6 is switched to the off position, the lens barrel3 is stopped in the retracted state, i.e. in the state shown in FIG. 8in which the length of the lens barrel 3 in the Y-axis direction isshortest, so that the lens barrel 3 will fit within the externaldimensions of the housing 2 in the Y-axis direction.

In this state, the lens barrier 50 of the lens barrel 3 is closed. Morespecifically, the opening lever 53 of the lens barrier 50 is pushed tothe rotational direction R2 side by the projections 78 of the rotary camframe 70. Accordingly, the barrier blades 52 of the lens barrier 50 arekept closed.

4.2: Operation when Power is On

4.2.1: Operation of Lens Barrel

When the power switch 6 is switched to the on position, power issupplied to the various components and the lens barrel 3 is driven fromthe retracted state to the imaging state. More specifically, the driveframe 30 is driven by the zoom motor 110 in the R1 direction by aspecific angle with respect to the fixed frame 20. As a result, thedrive frame 30 moves along the inclination grooves 23 to the Y-axisdirection positive side with respect to the fixed frame 20 whilerotating with respect to the fixed frame 20.

When the drive frame 30 moves in the Y-axis direction while rotatingwith respect to the fixed frame 20, the first rotary projections 43 andthe second rotary projections 45 cause the camera cam frame 40 to moveintegrally with the drive frame 30 in the Y-axis direction. Here, sincethe rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c of the camera cam frame 40 areguided in the Y-axis direction by the rectilinear grooves 27 a to 27 cof the fixed frame 20, the camera cam frame 40 moves integrally with thedrive frame 30 in the Y-axis direction without rotating with respect tothe fixed frame 20 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B).

As shown in FIG. 14B, the distal ends of the cam pins 76 of the rotarycam frame 70 are fitted into the straight grooves 38 of the drive frame30, and the rotary cam frame 70 rotates along with the drive frame 30with respect to the fixed frame 20. As a result, the rotary cam frame 70and the camera cam frame 40 rotate relative to each other. Since the campins 76 of the rotary cam frame 70 pass through the cam through-grooves42 of the camera cam frame 40, the rotary cam frame 70 moves in theY-axis direction while rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20 andthe camera cam frame 40, according to the shape of the camthrough-grooves 42.

The second rectilinear frame 80 is arranged to be rotatable with respectto the rotary cam frame 70 and movable integrally in the Y-axisdirection. The second rectilinear frame 80 is arranged to be movable inthe Y-axis direction with respect to the camera cam frame 40 withoutrotating. With this constitution, when the rotary cam frame 70 moves inthe Y-axis direction while rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20and the camera cam frame 40, the second rectilinear frame 80 movesintegrally with the rotary cam frame 70 in the Y-axis direction withrespect to the fixed frame 20 and the camera cam frame 40 withoutrotating with respect to the fixed frame 20 and the camera cam frame 40.

When the rotary cam frame 70 moves in the Y-axis direction whilerotating with respect to the fixed frame 20, this is accompanied bymovement of the first lens frame 60 in the Y-axis direction. Morespecifically, the rotary projections 75 of the rotary cam frame 70 areinserted in the rotary groove 105 of the first rectilinear frame 100,and the first projections 101 and second projections 102 of the firstrectilinear frame 100 are inserted in the third rectilinear grooves 49and the first rectilinear grooves 47 of the camera cam frame 40. Withthis arrangement, when the rotary cam frame 70 moves in the Y-axisdirection while rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20, the firstrectilinear frame 100 moves integrally with the rotary cam frame 70 inthe Y-axis direction without rotating with respect to the camera camframe 40 and the fixed frame 20.

Furthermore, when the rotary cam frame 70 rotates with respect to thefixed frame 20, the first cam pins 68 of the first lens frame 60 areguided in the Y-axis direction by the first cam grooves 72 of the rotarycam frame 70. Accordingly, the first lens frame 60 moves in the Y-axisdirection with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 and the firstrectilinear frame 100. Here, since the first rectilinear pins 63 andsecond rectilinear pins 64 of the first lens frame 60 are insertedrespectively in the second rectilinear grooves 108 and first rectilineargrooves 107 of the first rectilinear frame 100, the first lens frame 60moves in the Y-axis direction without rotating with respect to the firstrectilinear frame 100. Therefore, the first lens frame 60 moves in theY-axis direction without rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20(while rotating with respect to the rotary cam frame 70). Since a gap isformed between the second cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves 73, thesecond cam pins 69 move through the second cam grooves 73 withouttouching the second cam grooves 73.

The cam pins 192 of the second lens frame 190 are fitted into the thirdcam grooves 74 a of the rotary cam frame 70. The cam pins 229 of thethird lens frame 200 are fitted into the fourth cam grooves 74 b of therotary cam frame 70. The rectilinear pins 84 of the second rectilinearframe 80 are fitted into the third rectilinear grooves 49 of the cameracam frame 40. Accordingly, the second rectilinear frame 80 is movable inthe Y-axis direction without rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20and the camera cam frame 40. With this arrangement, the second lensframe 190 and the third lens frame 200 rotate with respect to the rotarycam frame 70 without rotating with respect to the second rectilinearframe 80, the camera cam frame 40 and the fixed frame 20. Therefore, thesecond lens frame 190 moves in the Y-axis direction along the third camgrooves 74 a, and the third lens frame 200 moves in the Y-axis directionalong the fourth cam grooves 74 b.

As discussed above, when a drive force is inputted to the drive frame 30during retraction, the drive frame 30 moves in the Y-axis direction withrespect to the fixed frame 20. This is accompanied by movement of thevarious members supported by the drive frame 30 in the Y-axis directionwith respect to the fixed frame 20. When the drive frame 30 has rotateda specific angle, the rotation of the drive frame 30 stops and the firstlens frame 60, the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200stop at the wide angle end. As a result of this operation, the lensbarrel 3 is in the imaging state (as shown in FIG. 9) and imaging withthe digital camera 1 is possible.

5.3: Zooming During Imaging

5.3.1: Operation on Telephoto Side

When the zoom adjusting lever 7 is moved to the telephoto side, the zoommotor 110 drives the drive frame 30 in the R1 direction with respect tothe fixed frame 20 according to the rotational angle and operationduration of the zoom adjusting lever 7. As a result, the rotary camframe 70 moves towards the Y-axis direction positive side with respectto the drive frame 30 while rotating along with the drive frame 30.Here, the drive frame 30 rotates with respect to the fixed frame 20, butdoes not move in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fixed frame20.

Also, the first lens frame 60 mainly moves to the Y-axis directionpositive side with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 while rotatingwith respect to the rotary cam frame 70 (without rotating with respectto the fixed frame 20 and the first rectilinear frame 100). Meanwhile,the second lens frame 190 mainly moves to the Y-axis direction negativeside with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 while rotating with respectto the rotary cam frame 70 (without rotating with respect to the fixedframe 20). Furthermore, the third lens frame 200 mainly moves to theY-axis direction positive side with respect to the rotary cam frame 70while rotating with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 (without rotatingwith respect to the fixed frame 20). As a result of these operations,the zoom ratio of the optical system O gradually increases. When thelens barrel 3 reaches the telephoto end, the lens barrel 3 stops in thestate shown in FIG. 10.

5.3.2: Operation on Wide Angle Side

When the zoom adjusting lever 7 is moved to the wide angle side, thedrive frame 30 is driven by the zoom motor 110 in the R2 direction withrespect to the fixed frame 20 according to the rotational angle andoperation duration of the zoom adjusting lever 7. As a result, therotary cam frame 70 moves to the Y-axis direction negative side withrespect to the drive frame 30 while rotating along with the drive frame30. The drive frame 30 here rotates with respect to the fixed frame 20,but does not move in the Y-axis direction.

The first lens frame 60 moves mainly to the Y-axis direction negativeside with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 while rotating with respectto the rotary cam frame 70 (without rotating with respect to the fixedframe 20). Meanwhile, the second lens frame 190 moves mainly to theY-axis direction positive side with respect to the rotary cam frame 70while rotating with respect to the rotary cam frame 70 (without rotatingwith respect to the fixed frame 20). Furthermore, the third lens frame200 moves mainly to the Y-axis direction negative side with respect tothe rotary cam frame 70 while rotating with respect to the rotary camframe 70 (without rotating with respect to the fixed frame 20). As aresult of these operations, the zoom ratio of the optical system Ogradually decreases. When the lens barrel 3 reaches the wide angle end,the lens barrel 3 stops in the state shown in FIG. 9.

6: FEATURES

The features of the lens barrel 3 described above are compiled below.

6.1

With this lens barrel 3, when the first lens frame 60 is guided by thefirst cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72 in the Y-axis directionwith respect to the rotary cam frame 70, the first lens frame 60 movesin the Y-axis direction while rotating with respect to the rotary camframe 70. For example, in the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 17, theoverall length of the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 isat its shortest, and the projections 78 of the rotary cam frame 70 areinserted in the first openings 67 a of the first lens frame 60.Accordingly, the gap in the optical axis direction between the rotarycam frame 70 and the first lens frame 60 can be reduced, the size of thelens barrel 3 in the Y-axis direction when stowed can be smaller and amore compact product can be obtained.

On the other hand, when the lens barrel 3 is subjected to a strongexternal force, there is possibility that the first lens frame 60 andthe rotary cam frame 70 are damaged. However, since the second cam pins69 of the first lens frame 60 are inserted via a gap into the second camgrooves 73 of the rotary cam frame 70, if the lens barrel 3 is subjectedto an external force and the rotary cam frame 70 or the first lens frame60 is elastically deformed, the second cam pins 69 will come intocontact with the walls of the second cam grooves 73. As a result, theexternal force exerted on the lens barrel 3 can be distributed not onlyto the first cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72 but also to thesecond cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves 73, which prevents damageto the first cam pins 68, etc., or prevents the first cam pins 68 andsecond cam pins 69 from falling out of the first cam grooves 72 andsecond cam grooves 73 of the rotary cam frame 70.

In particular, since the ends of the second cam grooves 73 on theprojections 78 side are disposed between two adjacent projections 78 inthe circumferential direction, the size of the cut-out portions betweenthe projections 78 is not limited by the second cam grooves 73.Accordingly, the size of the projections 78 can be made larger in theoptical axis direction, and the overall length of the first lens frame60 and the rotary cam frame 70 in the retracted state can be shortened.

Meanwhile, at the portions that are cut-out between the projections 78,the second cam grooves 73 are open on the protruding side. The secondcam pins 69 are located at the cut-out portions of the second camgrooves 73 when the first lens frame 60 is all the way on the subjectside (the telephoto position) with respect to the rotary cam frame 70.If a force on the Y-axis direction negative side should be exerted onthe lens barrel 3 in this state, the second cam pins 69 and the secondcam grooves 73 will come into contact, thereby preventing damage to themembers or preventing the first cam pins 68 and the second cam pins 69from falling out of the first cam grooves 72 and second cam grooves 73of the rotary cam frame 70.

Thus, with lens barrel 3, damage to members of the lens barrel 3 and thefalling out of the cam pins can be prevented while achieving an evensmaller size.

With a constitution in which the first lens group G1 is disposed on theY-axis direction positive side of the first lens frame body 61, theprojections 78 may be disposed on the Y-axis direction negative side ofthe cam frame body 71. The effect obtained in this case is the same asthat above.

6.2

As shown in FIG. 20A, for example, since the first contact portions 73 cof the rotary cam frame 70 form the edges of the second cam grooves 73and are disposed opposite to the second cam pins 69 via an oblique gapK1 that forms a space obliquely along the Y-axis direction, if the lensbarrel 3 is subjected to a strong force and one or both of the firstlens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 undergo elastic deformation,the second cam pins 69 will come into contact with the first contactportions 73 c. As a result, the impact in the Y-axis direction will beborne by the second cam pins 69 and the first contact portions 73 c inaddition to the first cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72.Accordingly, even if the lens barrel 3 is subjected to a strong force,the force can be dispersed to the first cam pins 68 and the second campins 69, preventing damage to the lens barrel 3.

In particular, since the overall length of the lens barrel 3 is greatestat the telephoto end, when a strong force is exerted on the lens barrel3 when the lens barrel 3 is in the telephoto state, the impact to whichthe first cam pins 68 are subjected (and especially the force in theY-axis direction) is also greater.

Nevertheless, as mentioned above, since the first contact portions 73 care disposed opposite the second cam pins 69 in the Y-axis directionwhen the lens is at the telephoto end, damage to the lens barrel 3 canbe prevented in the telephoto state when the impact is expected to begreatest, at least during a fall.

6.3

As shown in FIG. 24, since the first cam pins 68 and the first camgrooves 72 have a tapered shape, when an external force is exerted inthe Y-axis direction between the first lens frame 60 and the rotary camframe 70, at least some of the external force is converted by the firstcam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72 into a force that attempts toseparate the first lens frame 60 from the rotary cam frame 70 in theradial direction. As a result, at least one of the first lens frame 60and the rotary cam frame 70 undergoes elastic deformation in the radialdirection (see FIG. 23).

Meanwhile, since the second cam pins 69 and first contact portions 73 calso have a tapered shape, when the elastic deformation of the firstlens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 presses the second cam pins 69against the first contact portions 73 c, at least part of this pressingforce is converted into a force that attempts to separate the first lensframe 60 form the rotary cam frame 70 in the radial direction. That is,just as with the first cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves 72, one orboth of the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 undergoelastic deformation in the radial direction.

Consequently, when the area around the first cam pins 68 of the firstlens frame 60 attempts to deform elastically in the radial direction,the area around the second cam pins 69 of the first lens frame 60attempts to deform elastically in the radial direction at the same time,and as a result a force acts in the radial direction substantiallyuniformly on the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70.Accordingly, even if a strong force acts on the lens barrel 3, the firstlens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 will undergo less unevendeformation, and damage to the lens barrel 3 can be effectivelyprevented.

In particular, since the second cam pins 69 are disposed between twoadjacent first cam pins 68 in the circumferential direction, thepositions of the first cam pins 68 and the second cam pins 69 in theY-axis direction are substantially the same, and elastic deformation ofthe first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 in the radialdirection can be made more uniform.

The second cam pins 69 are to be disposed at substantially the samepositions as the first cam pins 68 in the Y-axis direction, but as longas the same effect is obtained, the second cam pins 69 may be offsetslightly in the Y-axis direction from the first cam pins 68.

Since the second cam pins 69 and the second cam grooves 73 perform acomplementary role with the first cam pins 68 and the first cam grooves72, at least one each of the second cam pins 69 and the second camgrooves 73 is to be provided.

6.4

Furthermore, since the first lens frame 60 has the second contactportions 73 d disposed opposite the second cam pins 69 via a radial gapthat forms a space in the radial direction of the cam frame, even if oneor both of the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 undergoelastic deformation in the radial direction due to impact from falling,displacement in the radial direction via the second cam pins 69 can bereceived by the second contact portions 73 d. Accordingly, the firstlens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 will not be deformed as muchin the radial direction, and damage to the lens barrel 3 can beprevented. When the lens barrel 3 is in the telephoto state, the secondcontact portions 73 d are arranged at positions opposite the second campins 69 via the radial gap formed in the radial direction of the camframe, so the same effect can be obtained when there is a fall with thelens barrel 3 in the telephoto state.

6.5

With this lens barrel 3, since the second cam pins 69 are inserted inthe second cam grooves 73, even if the first lens frame body 61 and thecam frame body 71 are disposed close together in the radial direction,the second cam pins 69 will not interfere with the cam frame body 71when the first lens frame 60 and the rotary cam frame 70 moverelatively. In other words, with this configuration, an increase in thesize of the lens barrel 3 due to the second cam pins 69 can besuppressed or prevented.

6.6

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16B, since the cam pins 76 can be introducedinto the cam through-grooves 42 via the insertion openings 42 a to 42 cof the camera cam frame 40, the fixed frame 20, the rotary cam frame 70,and the camera cam frame 40 are easier to assemble. Furthermore, sincethe insertion openings 42 a to 42 c are disposed at positionscorresponding to the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c, a decrease instrength that would otherwise be caused by the insertion openings 42 ato 42 c can be prevented. That is, with this lens barrel 3, easyassembly can be ensured while preventing a decrease in strength. Also,because good strength is ensured, there is no need to increase the sizeof the camera cam frame 40 in the radial direction.

Also, the plurality of flanges 44 link the adjacent rectilinearprojections 46 a to 46 c in the circumferential direction, and alongwith the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c form an annular portionprotruding outward in the radial direction from the camera cam framebody 41. Therefore, compared to when just the rectilinear projections 46a to 46 c are provided, the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c and theflanges 44 make the camera cam frame body 41 stronger, and the decreasein strength that would otherwise be caused by the insertion openings 42a to 42 c can be prevented.

6.7

As shown in FIG. 34, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the connectionterminals 18 and 19 are disposed at different positions (positions thatdo not overlap) from those of the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c,so the connection terminals 18 and 19 do not overlap the rectilinearprojections 46 a to 46 c in the optical axis direction. Morespecifically, if we look at imaginary lines Ca to Cc parallel to theY-axis direction passing through the center of the insertion openings 42a to 42 c, the connection terminals 18 and 19 are not disposed in thevicinity of the imaginary lines Ca to Cc of the master flange 10. Thislayout affords greater design latitude and allows a more compact lensbarrel 3 than when the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c and theconnection terminals 18 and 19 are disposed at the same positions.

In particular, the size reduction effect will be greater when therectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c are thicker than the flanges 44 andthey protrude farther to the Y-axis direction negative side (the masterflange 10 side) than the flanges 44. Furthermore in this case, of theface of the master flange 10 on the camera cam frame 40 side, theportion corresponding to the rectilinear projections 46 a to 46 c whenviewed in the Y-axis direction is preferably recessed to the Y-axisdirection negative side. For example, the concave portions digitalcamera 17 a and 17 c shown in FIG. 31 correspond to this. When the lensbarrel 3 has been retracted, part of the rectilinear protrusion 46 a isstowed in the concave portion 17 a, and part of the rectilinearprotrusion 46 c is stowed in the concave portion 17 c. Thisconfiguration makes it even easier to reduce the size of the lens barrel3.

6.8

As shown in FIG. 27, the support plates 85 protruding in the Y-axisdirection from the second rectilinear frame body 81 are inserted in therectilinear guide grooves 193 of the second lens frame 190 and therectilinear guide grooves 223 of the third lens frame 200. Since thesecond lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200 are thus supported bythe pair of support plates 85, the region on the outer peripheral sideof the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200 can beutilized more effectively than when a cylindrical rectilinear frame isused. That is, a more compact lens barrel 3 can be obtained by using thesecond rectilinear frame 80 having the pair of support plates 85 so thatthe two lens frames are supported to be movable linearly.

In particular, since the width W1 of the first plates 82 in thecircumferential direction is set larger than the width W2 of the secondplates 83 in the circumferential direction, in a state in which thesecond lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200 are closest in theoptical axis direction, part of the second lens frame 190 (the pair ofguide portions 194) can be inserted in the rectilinear guide grooves223. With this configuration, a large movable range of the second lensframe 190 and the third lens frame 200 can be ensured while the overalllength of the second lens frame 190 and the third lens frame 200 whenstowed can be shortened, and greater design latitude is afforded for theoptical system O while the size of the lens barrel 3 can be furtherreduced.

In addition to the relation between the widths W1 and W2, since thelength L2 of the second plates 83 (which have a small width W2) in theoptical axis direction is set longer than the length L1 of the firstplates 82 (which have a large width W1), the movable range of the secondlens frame 190 is less apt to be hindered by the wide first plates 82.The movable range of the third lens frame 200 guided by the wide firstplates 82, however, is not limited by the second plates 83. That is,there is even greater latitude in the design of the optical system O.

Since the length L2 of the second plates 83 can be shortened, theoverall length of the support plates 85 can be kept to the requiredminimum, and an even more compact lens barrel 3 can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 39, another possible situation is when the width W2 ofthe second plates 83 in the circumferential direction is greater thanthe width W1 of the first plates 82 in the circumferential direction. Inthis case, part of the third lens frame 200 can be inserted in therectilinear guide grooves 193 in a state in which the second lens frame190 and the third lens frame 200 are closest in the optical axisdirection. Furthermore, the length L1 of the first plates 82 (which havea small width W1) in the Y-axis direction is preferably greater than thelength L2 of the second plates 83 (which have a large width W2) in theY-axis direction. Again with this configuration, the same effect isobtained as with the above embodiment.

Also, the pair of support plates 85 have the same shape, but the shapesof the support plates 85 may instead be different. Similarly, the shapesof the rectilinear guide grooves 193 may be different from each other,and the shapes of the rectilinear guide grooves 223 may be differentfrom each other.

6.9

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, with the imaging element unit 140, sincethe contour of the expanded part 132 of the light blocking sheet 130 islarger than the opening 12 of the master flange 10, the expanded part132 helps block dust that has come in on the CCD image sensor 141 sideof the master flange 10 (that is, the outside of the lens barrel 3) fromflowing through the opening 12 to the opposite side.

In particular, since the expanded part 132 of the light blocking sheet130 bends in a state of coming into contact with the master flange 10,the expanded part 132 can more effectively block the path over whichdust flows to the opening 12 side. Also, with this configuration, eventhough the position of the light blocking sheet 130 with respect to themaster flange 10 in the Y-axis direction may vary somewhat from productto product, this positional offset can be absorbed by the bending of theexpanded part 132.

Also, the bonded portion 131 of the light blocking sheet 130 isadhesively fixed to the IR absorbent glass 135, and the IR absorbentglass 135 is disposed within the opening 12. Accordingly, the size ofthe imaging element unit 140 can be reduced by a length corresponding tothe thickness of the IR absorbent glass 135, so a more compact lensbarrel 3 can be obtained.

If dust-proofing is the only effect sought, then the IR absorbent glass135 need not be disposed within the opening 12, and may be disposed moreto the CCD image sensor 141 side than the edge of the opening 12 of themaster flange 10.

Also, if only the minimum dust-proofing effect is sought, the expandedpart 132 need not be bent, and furthermore the expanded part 132 neednot come into contact with the master flange 10 in the Y-axis direction.That is, if the expanded part 132 with a large contour is disposed nearthe edge of the opening 12, the area around the expanded part 132 willhave a labyrinth structure, so a dust-proofing effect can beanticipated.

6.10

As shown in FIG. 28, since the first support shaft 226 and the secondsupport shaft 227 are disposed at different positions from those of thefirst drive unit 241 and the second drive unit 242 when viewed in theY-axis direction, the third lens frame 200 (shake compensation device)can be made thinner than when the first support shaft 226 is disposed atthe same position as the first drive unit 241, for example.

6.11

As shown in FIG. 35, unwanted light from an opening 65 in the first lensframe 60 or the cut-outs 79 in the rotary cam frame 70 may be incidenton the outer peripheral side of the cam frame body 71. With this lensbarrel 3, since the annular flange 77 is arranged at the end of the camframe body 71 on the opposite side from the cut-outs 79, the flange 77blocks at least part of the unwanted light that comes through thecut-outs 79 and the opening 65 and is incident on the outer peripheralside of the cam frame body 71, so the decrease in optical performancecan be reduced.

In particular, the cut-outs 66 (an example of second cut-outs) in thefirst lens frame 60 are arranged to form windows 165 that pass throughin the radial direction along with the cut-outs 79, so the lightblocking effect of the flange 77 is enhanced.

7: OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to what was givenabove and various modifications and changes are possible withoutdeparting from the gist of the present invention.

7.1

The constitution of the optical system is not limited to what was givenabove. For instance, the various lens groups need not be made up of asingle lens, and may instead be made up of a plurality of lenses.

7.2

Barring structural problems, the various cam grooves may be such thatthose grooves that do not pass through (grooves having a bottom) arethrough-grooves, and those grooves that do pass through are insteadgrooves that do not pass through.

Also, the various cam pins need not be formed integrally with the framebody, and may instead be separate entities.

7.3

As shown in FIG. 28, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the firstcenter line D1, the second center line D2, and the reference linesegment D3 are disposed in parallel, but as long as the first centerline D1, the second center line D2, and the reference line segment D3 donot intersect within the range of the base frame 220, one or more of thefirst center line D1, the second center line D2, and the reference linesegment D3 may not be parallel with the other lines.

7.4

In the above embodiment, a digital still camera was given as an exampleof a device in which the lens barrel 3 was installed, but the device inwhich the lens barrel 3 is installed may be any device in which anoptical image needs to be formed. Examples of devices in which the lensbarrel 3 is installed include imaging devices capable of capturing onlystill pictures, imaging devices capable of capturing only movingpictures and imaging devices capable of capturing both still and movingpictures.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a lens barrel equipped with the cam frame structure,the shake compensation device and the imaging element unit. Accordingly,these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should beinterpreted relative to a lens barrel equipped with the cam framestructure, the shake compensation device and the imaging element unit.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section,or part of a device implies the existence of other unclaimed orunmentioned components, sections, members or parts of the device tocarry out a desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging element unit comprising: a base plateincluding an opening and a surface formed around the opening; aplate-like optical element configured and arranged to receive light foroptical processing; an imaging element configured to convert the lighttransmitted by the optical element into an electrical signal, theimaging element facing the surface of the base plate; a plate fixed tothe base plate to support the imaging element; a transparent coverprovided on a surface of the imaging element; and a light blocking sheetlocated between the imaging element and the surface of the base plate,the light blocking sheet including a first light blocker and a secondlight blocker, the first light blocker having a through-hole, disposedbetween the optical element and the imaging element, and configured tocontact the transparent cover, the second light blocker disposed on theouter circumferential side of the first light blocker, and having anoutline larger than the opening.
 2. The imaging element unit accordingto claim 1, wherein: the second light blocker is configured to contactthe surface of the base plate.
 3. The imaging element unit according toclaim 1, wherein: the first light blocker is fixed to the opticalelement by adhesive bonding.
 4. The imaging element unit according toclaim 3, wherein: the through-hole of the first light blocker is smallerthan the optical element.
 5. The imaging element unit according to claim3, wherein: the optical element is disposed within the opening of thebase plate.
 6. The imaging element unit according to claim 5, wherein:the optical element is smaller than the opening of the base plate. 7.The imaging element unit according to claim 6, wherein: the through-holeof the first light blocker is smaller than the optical element.
 8. Theimaging element unit according to claim 1, wherein: the optical elementis disposed within the opening of the base plate.
 9. The imaging elementunit according to claim 8, wherein: the optical element is smaller thanthe opening of the base plate.
 10. The imaging element unit according toclaim 1, wherein: the first light blocker is fixed to the transparentcover by adhesive bonding.
 11. The imaging element unit according toclaim 10, wherein: the through-hole of the first light blocker issmaller than the transparent cover.
 12. The imaging element unitaccording to claim 1, wherein: the through-hole of the first lightblocker is smaller than the transparent cover.
 13. The imaging elementunit according to claim 1, wherein: the through-hole of the first lightblocker is smaller than the optical element.
 14. An imaging element unitcomprising: a base plate including an opening and a surface formedaround the opening; a plate-like optical element configured and arrangedto receive light for optical processing; an imaging element configuredto convert the light transmitted by the optical element into anelectrical signal, the imaging element facing the surface of the baseplate; a plate fixed to the base plate to support the imaging element;and a light blocking sheet located between the imaging element and thesurface of the base plate, the light blocking sheet including a firstlight blocker having a through-hole and disposed between the opticalelement and the imaging element and a second light blocker disposed onthe outer circumferential side of the first light blocker; the secondlight blocker having an outline larger than the opening, is configuredto contact the surface of the base plate, and bends in a state ofcontact with the surface of the base plate the second light blockercontacts and bends with the base plate.
 15. An imaging element unitcomprising: a plate-like optical element configured and arranged toreceive light for optical processing; an imaging element configured toconvert the light transmitted by the optical element into an electricalsignal; a base plate including an opening and an inclined face formedaround the opening, the inclined face inclined with respect to a lightreceiving face of the imaging element; a light blocking sheet includinga first light blocker and a second light blocker; the first lightblocker including a through-hole, disposed between the optical elementand the imaging element; and the second light blocker including anoutline larger than the opening, and disposed on the outercircumferential side of the first light blocker in contact with theinclined face.
 16. The imaging element unit according to claim 15,wherein: the inclined face is in firm contact with the entire surface ofthe second light blocker.